The in-app function was designed in conjunction with London-based mobile company Grapple. Once logged in to the app, customers can then initiate a conversation with a business banking advisors. The service is available from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on Saturdays.

According to the banks, the new mobile chat function is designed to reduce call-waiting and in-branch wait times for time-sensitive business account holders.

“The number of RBS business banking customers banking on mobile has increased significantly within the past 12 months and we are delighted to be the first bank in Europe to launch Mobile Chat, delivering a consistent customer service experience across all our channels," said Aron Thompson, Digital Director, Business & Commercial at RBS, in a statement. "The drive to enable customers to bank with us on the move is part of our ahead for Business commitment to make life easier for our customers."

The mobile chat service is currently available for iPhone users only.

Bryan Yurcan is associate editor for Bank Systems and Technology. He has worked in various editorial capacities for newspapers and magazines for the past 8 years. After beginning his career as a municipal and courts reporter for daily newspapers in upstate New York, Bryan has ... View Full Bio